zeke
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Peekaboo slot 2023
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Post by zeke on Sept 30, 2015 5:52:59 GMT -8
You don't mention what triggers your back pain. Even a suitcase with rollers would put some strain on your back, as you twist and turn to drag it along. Worse if you carry it by a handle.
I would think a small day pack, about 30 Liters or less, would be plenty for your sort of trip, as long as you realize laundry is something you need to do regularly. I know I could do it with less, but many people have to have more shoes, clothes, room for trinkets, etc...
Think about your clothing. 3 sets might be enough. 1 set a bit more like business casual, the other 2 more like hiking casual. Toss in your toiletry kit, keeping in mind some of the places you will stay will offer soap and shampoo, but others might not. A spare pr of shoes may not be needed at all, as long as your walking shoes can be cleaned up as you go.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Sept 30, 2015 16:21:02 GMT -8
You already have back pain, so you have a good idea of your limits. Take a small backpack (20-30L) for day hikes. Put in more or less depending on how you feel, how far you're going, etc.
There are a ton of variables - is the pain muscular, neural, or skeletal? Does it make you stop or just slow you down? How long is the recovery period? What's your tolerance level? And so on.
Mine slows me down (slower, shorter distances) but doesn't stop me. Yours may be completely different.
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rebeccad
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Writing like a maniac
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Post by rebeccad on Sept 30, 2015 20:34:03 GMT -8
It really does depend on the nature of your back trouble. My brother-in-law recently resumed backpacking (our style--out in the wilderness, carrying everything) despite chronic back pain. He's working on lightening the load, and uses care in taking the pack on and off. It didn't seem to be a problem for him to carry it.
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Post by dayhiker on Sept 30, 2015 22:45:34 GMT -8
Some types of luggage allows one to use a handle, shoulder strap, or backpack straps, so you could alternate until you find which works for you.
Others allow handle, backpack straps, or rollers, but those are heavier, and have less space for your stuff if it is carry on size.
Or a frame pack might work, except you would have to check it on your flight. Try it out before you go.
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amaruq
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Post by amaruq on Oct 1, 2015 4:28:26 GMT -8
In my experience fast-paced, hostel-to-hostel, gotta-see-it-all sort of travel is best completed with a backpack. A good, moderately sized pack with internal frame and waist-belt will outmaneuver a rolling suitcase all day. I'm only a month or so back from Japan where I lived out of a 30L school bag.
If you do think your back will need a break occasionally, backpacks with the handle and wheels are available but do weight a bit more than without. I would, however, hope one could find a clever design with a hip-belt that uses the handle sheath within the pack as a makeshift stay.
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Post by cweston on Oct 1, 2015 8:17:10 GMT -8
FWIW, I suffer from a herniated disk. I do not have chronic pain, though--I have very intense intermittent episodes of pain. I find that carrying a backpack is very good for my back: it forces me to walk with good posture and bear the maximum proportion of the weight with my lower body.
Now, driving to and from the trailhead is a different story--long hours sitting is the very worst thing for most back problems.
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